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Africa's build-up to the 2010 World Cup finals on home soil will be largely determined by three results over the next few days.

After early exits for Togo and highly-fancied Ivory Coast, only three of the continent's five finalists can reach the second round.

A place in the last sixteen looks tough for both Angola and Tunisia while Ghana, the only African team with a win, need one more inspired performance to go through.

Should these teams fail to qualify, rest assured that the build-up to the 2010 finals will constantly mention Africa's failure to produce a second round team in 2006.

In Germany, the BBC's Piers Edwards assesses the fate of Africa's finalists.

Ghana have provided the shock of this World Cup so far when playing some thrilling football en route to deservedly beating Czech Republic, who had looked so convincing when thrashing the United States 3-0.

Now the Ghanaians can spring another surprise by beating Bruce Arena's team in Nuremberg on Thursday to reach the second round at their first World Cup finals.

Although the Black Stars played in the same spirit against the Czechs as they had in their opening defeat to Italy, there were some crucial differences.

The Black Stars' defence looked solid with left-back Mohamed Habib and centre-back Shilla Iliasu showing why coach Ratomir Dujkovic had brought them in for Emmanuel Pappoe and Sammy Kuffour, whose error gifted Italy their second goal.

Up front, Asamoah Gyan looked a different player to the one who had seemed lightweight against the Italians yet the scorer of Ghana's first World Cup goal is suspended for Thursday's game.

So to Sulley Muntari but the Udinese midfielder might just play at this World Cup again if Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah continue their eye-catching form.

Like Ghana, Tunisia's fate is in their own hands for the Carthage Eagles will qualify from Group H if they beat Ukraine in Berlin on Friday.

Yet coach Roger Lemerre has problems, one of which is history for it is well-known that the Tunisians have failed to win a World Cup match since 1978.

Despite their 3-1 loss, the Carthage Eagles were far more convincing against Spain on Monday than they were when drawing 2-2 with Saudi Arabia.

Creativity is still a problem though as the Tunisians barely troubled the Spanish defence in the second half and despite his fine running, Zied Jaziri is missing injured strike partner Francileudo dos Santos.

Tunisia's back four held firm against Spain for 60 minutes but there will be no room for error when facing a rampant Andriy Shevchenko in the Olympic Stadium.

Angola's hopes of reaching the second round hinge on Portugal because their lusophone brothers must beat Mexico if the Palancas Negras are to have any chance of going through.

The Angolans have one point to Mexico's four and defeat of Iran on Wednesday will count for nothing if the Central Americans draw with the Portuguese.

After their shaky start to the competition, Angola have not conceded a goal in 176 minutes and goalkeeper Joao Ricardo was impressive when shutting out the Mexicans on Saturday.

It is at the other end where the Angolans have problems for coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves's decision to field just one striker has yet to produce a goal.

Captain Akwa and Figueiredo are among those calling for a front pairing in Leipzig, which Angola surely need if they are to score the goals needed against Iran.

Ivory Coast may have impressed everyone with the quality of their football but coach Henri Michel would swap their two good performances for just one point.

Determined to atone for defeats against Argentina and Holland, the Elephants are keen to register a first World Cup victory when playing Serbia & Montenegro in Munich on Wednesday.

If they have learnt their lesson, the Ivorian defence will avoid going two goals down by half-time and goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie needs a good display after some shaky moments.

Up front, Michel has yet to fully explain why he has not started Aruna Dindane with Didier Drogba, for the pair provided 16 of the Ivorians' 20 goals in qualifying.

Midfielder Didier Zokora has impressed the world with his fine defending and surging runs, while Bakary Kone has not only been lively but produced one of the goals of the tournament as well.

Togo's first-round exit was predictable from the moment the row over bonuses made headlines around the globe.

Like the Ivorians, the Hawks have no points to show from their two games yet they have produced surprisingly-sturdy performances when losing to South Korea and Switzerland.

Although qualification is no longer possible, the Togolese will be desperate to beat their former colonial masters France in Cologne on Friday.

Yet key striker Emmanuel Adebayor has yet to show why English side Arsenal paid so much money for him because Kader Keita has been Togo's best forward so far.

If France can shake off their lethargic start, Hawks goalkeeper Kossi Agassa could be in for a torrid afternoon as Thierry Henry looks to make his mark at Germany 2006.